The third Bulldozer album, and quite a bit of a departure from their first two offerings ("The Day of Wrath" and "The Final Separation"). While both the debut and sophomore releases oozed of all things Venom like, this sees Bulldozer actually forging their own sound and identity. Gone is the Motorhead-meets-Venom vibe, and in it's place is a lean mean metal machine (think Bulldozer playing "Show no Mercy" era Slayer, but with a fuck of a lot more bottom end). The overall sound is far less "sloppy" than before, with some VERY tight and intricate rhythms being used here (The guitars on this shred like you wouldn't believe - this has to have one of the "sharpest" guitar tones I've heard in a long time, much like old Destruction but thicker). Lead guitar takes a phenomenal leap forward in terms of technical progression (I hear Maiden right alongside the Slayer undertones). The drums are perhaps the "biggest" change in the sense that while they were merely "there" before, they're now in the forefront and completely "in your face" - not to mention that they happen to be playing in overdrive mode for the majority of the album (with double bass kick drums to be found a plenty). Vocals are in the "barked" vein and have a very mean and angry sound to them. Highlight of the album has to be "The Derby" with it's shouted chorus of (I believe) "HATRED! HATRED! HATRED! HATRED! HATRED!" - so unbelievable vicious sounding it's hard to describe.

Yup, Bulldozer have definitely left the "Italy's answer to Venom" days behind, but thankfully, the "new" Bulldozer still has that energy that helped make them such a cult classic in the first place. Recommended ? FUCK YES! Unless you're some sort of heterosexually challenged individual, in which case this might have just a bit too much testosterone for you liking...

© 1999 chorazaim